On the day Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves honored Juneteenth, he said the department began implementing its Equity Action Plan to ensure programming policies reach a diverse audience as they promote equity into every workstream.
The department also is implementing the DEIA Strategic Plan, which he said focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion in its workforce, according to a June 17 news release.
“Today, we honor the Black Americans who blazed trails before us, those of us living their legacy today and the future generations who fill us with hope,” Graves said, according to the release.
Graves said he felt particularly grateful to serve the American people at the department, the release reported.
“My ancestors owned a business on the grounds of the Herbert C. Hoover Building, and I am proud to be a descendant of one of the nation’s first Black patent holders,” he said, according to the release.
Graves promised the Department of Commerce will always strive to do more and do better, the release reported
“As for today, we will celebrate Black history, culture and achievement while recognizing the strides we must make to achieve equity and equality for all Americans,” he said, according to the release.
